Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-07-07
THE PRESIDENT AND THE q. a. R.
Mr. Cleveland will not go to st. Louis
During the Encampment.
THE REASONS WHY SET FORTH IN A LETTER TO MAYOR
FRANCIS-HE SAYS HE MUST PROTECT THE DIGNITY
OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE AGAINST INSULT.

chairman OF the citizens committee the following
letter, dated July 4:
MY DEAR SIR: When received the extremely
cordial and gratifying invitation from the citizens
OF st. Louis, rendered by number OF her repre-
sentative men, to visit that city during the Ma
tlonal Encampment of the Grand Army OF the Re-
public, had been contemplating for some time
the acceptance OF an invitation from that organi-
Zat1on to the same effect, and had considered the
pleasure 1t would afford me, II 1t should be posi-
bic, to meet not only the members Of the Grand
Army OF the Republic, but the people OF st. Louis
and other cities in the West which the occasion
would give an opportunity to visit. The exactions
OF my public duties felt to be so uncertain, how
ever, that when first confronted by the delegation
of which you were the head, 1 expected to do no
more at that time than to promise the cOnSidera-
t1On OF the double invitation rendered me- and ex-
press the pleasure 1t would give me to accept the
same thereafter, II possible. But the cOrdiality
and sincerity OF your presentation, reinforced by
you: SO impressed me that 1 could not resist the
Keeling which prompted me to assure you on the
spot that would be with you and the Grand Army
OF the Republic at the time designated II nothing
happened in the meantime to absolutely prevent
my leaving Washington.
Immediately upon the public announcement OF
this conclusion expressions emanating from GER
tain important members OF the Grand Army OF the
Republic, and increasing In volume and virulence,
invitations. The expressions referred to go to the
extent OF declaring that would be an unwelcome
guest at the time and place OF the National En-
campment. This statement Is based, as we'll as
can Judge, upon certain official acts OF mine, in
volving important public interests done under the
which do not appear to accord with the wishes OF
some members or the Grand Army OF the Republic
refuse to believe that this organization, founded
men entitled to lasting honor and consideration
and whose crOwning glory it should be that they
a are american citzens ~ e; as Wen as veteran soldiers
1ect or purpose by attempting to intimidate the
Executive or cOerce those charged with making
to which have referred Indicate such a preya.
lence OF unrriendly feeling and such a menace to
an occasion which should be harmonious peaceful,
and cordial, that they cannot be ignored.
beg you to understand that am not conscious
OF any act OF mine which should make me fear to
meet the Grand Army OF the Republic any other
aSsemblage OF my fellow citizens. The account of
my Official stewardship is always ready for presen-
tation to my countrymen. should not be frank
II failed to confess while disclaiming all resent
ment, that have been hurt by the unworthy and
wantOn attacks upon me growing out of this mat
ter, and the reckless manner in which my actions
and motives have been mSrepresented, both pub
licly and privately, for which, however the Grand
Army OF the Republic as body. is by no means
responsible.
The threats OF personal violence and harm in
case undertake the trip in question which scores
OF misguided, unbalanced men under the stimula-
tion OF excited feeling have made are not even con-
sidered. Rather than abondon my visit to the
West and disappoint your citizens, 1 might, If
alone were concerned, submit to the insult to
WHICH,, IL 10 QultC OpCuly dooCItSu WOulU Dt ntlp
lessly subjected ii present at the encampment
But should bear with me there the peoples high
est office, the dignity OF which I must
the Grand Army OF the Republic as
an organization, nor anything like majority Of
its members, would ever encourage any scanda-
lOuS attack upon it. II, however, among the men,
bership OF this body there are some, as certainly
seems to be the case, determined to denounce me
and my official acts at the National Encampment
believe they should be permitted to do so un-
restrained by my presence as guest OF their or
ganization or as guest OF the hospitable city in
which their meeting is held. number OF Grand
Army posts have signtfed their intention, am in
formed, to remain away from the encampment in
case visit the city at that time Without consid-
ering the merit OF such an excuse, / feel that
ought not to be the cause OF such nOil-attendance
The time and place Of the encampment were fixed
desiring to participate in its proceedings should
be first regarded and nothing should be permitted
to interfere with their intentions.
Another consideration OF more Importance than
ali others remains to be noticed. The fact was re-
ferred to by you when you verbally presented the
invitation Of the citizens OF st. Louis that the
coming encampment OF the Grand Army of the
Republic would be the first held In a Southern
State. suppose this fact was mentioned as
gaining ground throughout the entire Land and
hailed by every patriotic citizen as an earnest
that the Union has really and in fact been saved
vouchSares to q united people. cannot rid my
SELF OF the belief that the least discOrd on this
propitious occasion might retard the progress OF
The sentiment Of common brotherhood which the
Grand Army of the Republic has so good an op-
pOrtunity to increase and foster. I certainly
ought not to be the cause OF such diScOrd in any
event or upon any pretext.
1t seems to me that you and the citizens of st.
Louis entitled to this unreServed statement of
the conditions which have constrained me to
forego my contemplated visit and to withdraw
my acceptance OF your invitation. MY presence
In your city at the time you have indicated can be
OF but little moment compared with the import
ance OF a cordial and harmonious entertainment
OF your other guests assure you that abandon
INV without the least nprSOnal feeling
regret constrained thereto by OF duty, ac-
| tuated by desire to save any embarrassment to
and with heart rull Of grateful appreciation OF
the sincere and unaHected kindness OF your citi-
| Zens. Hoping the encampment may be an occa-
sion of much usefulness, and that its proceedings
may illustrate the highest patriotism or American
citizenship, am, yours very sincerely,
GROVER CLEVELAND.